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Books like Game of Thrones
Scheming dynasties, grey characters and power with a price.
The Iron King by Maurice Druon
The French historical saga of scheming royals often called the original Game of Thrones.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Morally grey characters, dark humour and politics that hurt.
+ Black humour and reluctant, morally grey heroes.
− PW found the plot workmanlike, the writing repetitive and the torture excessive. (summed up from Publishers Weekly)Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Real Tudor court politics seen from a king's chief minister. As tense as any fantasy.
+ Lyrical yet tightly written, solidly imagined and often very funny; readers finish its 650 pages wanting more.
− A rare negative review called it badly written and tedious, too long to finish. (summed up from Wikipedia (reception))The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Queens, dragons and rival kingdoms in one big standalone.
+ Reviewers liked the nuanced women, the richly built world and the intertwined plot lines.
− Some found the 800-plus pages too long, even while enjoying the queer romance. (summed up from Wikipedia (reception))The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
A brilliant accountant tries to bring down an empire from inside. Cold, clever and devastating.
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